MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET resumed performances yesterday, July 28, at New World Stages after closing on Broadway on June 12, 2011. MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET played nearly 500 performances on Broadway and won a Tony Award and an Outer Critics Circle Award, and received Tony nominations for Best Musical and Best Book of a Musical, a Drama Desk nomination for Outstanding Musical Revue and three Drama League nominations including Distinguished Production of a Musical and two Distinguished Performance nominations. BroadwayWorld was on hand for the off-Broadway opening and brings you photo coverage below.
In addition to the New York production, the Chicago production of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET opened in 2008 and is still playing to packed houses at the Apollo Theatre. An upcoming national tour will launch in October in Cleveland, and a West End production is currently playing at the Noël Coward Theatre in London.
On December 4, 1956, an auspicious twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley together. The place was Sun Records' storefront studio in Memphis. The man who made it happen was Sam Phillips, the "Father of Rock and Roll," who discovered them all. The four young musicians united for the only time in their careers for an impromptu recording that has come to be known as one of the greatest rock jam sessions of all time.
Inspired by the electrifying true story, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET brings that legendary night to life, an inspired tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal and celebrations featuring a treasure trove of the greatest rock and roll, gospel, R&B and country hits from these musicians, including such iconic songs as "Blue Suede Shoes," "Fever," "Sixteen Tons," "Who Do You Love?," "Great Balls of Fire," "Riders in the Sky," "I Walk the Line," "Folsom Prison Blues," and "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On." MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET captures the infectious spirit, freewheeling excitement and thrilling sounds of a singular moment when four of the music industry's most extraordinary talents, all in their creative prime, came together for one of the most memorable nights in music history.
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is directed by Eric Schaeffer and features a book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux. The design team for the New York production includes: Derek McLane (scenic design), Howell Binkley (lighting design), Jane Greenwood (costume design), Kai Harada (sound design) and Chuck Mead (musical arrangements and supervision).
For more information about MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, visit www.MillionDollarQuartetLive.com.
Tickets for MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET are available at www.Telecharge.com, by calling 212-239-6200 , or by visiting the New World Stages Box Office (340 West 50th Street). All ticket prices are $89.50.
Beginning today, July 28 - MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET's performance schedule at New World Stages will be Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8 PM, and Sundays at 7 PM. Matinees are Wednesday and Saturday at 2:30 PM and Sunday at 3 PM.
Photo Credit: Monica Simoes
